Christian growth.
I. TROUBLE MOVES MEN TO PRAYER. (Psalms 12:1.) As the child instinctively cries to its father, so we cry to God. Society may wax worse and worse. The righteous may fail out of the land. It is hard to serve alone. Falsehood and lust prevail. There are fears on every side. In God alone is our help found.
II. PRAYER STRENGTHENS FAITH. (Psalms 12:3, Psalms 12:4.) There is some relief in telling our griefs. Further, we are cheered by the assurance of God's love. He must ever be on the side of truth and right. More particularly we are encouraged by the record of God's mighty works, and his promises to stand by his people. In communing with God, and casting our cares upon him who careth for us, our faith gains force and grows in ardour and activity.
III. FAITH INSPIRES HOPE. (Psalms 12:5, Psalms 12:6.) We remember God's word, on which he hath caused us to place our hope. God's promises are good, for he is love; they are certain, for he is faithful; they are sure of accomplishment, for he is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think. Thus our hearts are revived. There may be delay, but not denial. There may be silence long, but never refusal. God has his own time and his own way.
IV. HOPE CULMINATES IN ASSURANCE. (Psalms 12:7, Psalms 12:8.) Light arises. The sky becomes brighter and brighter. "If God be for us, who can be against us?" All things are working to a perfect end. The prosperity of the wicked is vanity, and his triumph endures but for a little while. The end of the righteous is peace. "Thou shalt preserve them for ever."—W.F.
HOMILIES BY C. SHORT